Hand Attachment to Mobile Devices

ABSTRACT

A hand attachment for a wireless device comprises a material that affixes to a back surface of the wireless device or wireless device case and one or more fasteners for affixing the material to the wireless device or wireless device case. A user&#39;s hand slips between the material and the wireless device or wireless device case to provide the user the ability to hold and use the wireless device.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/462,896, filed on Feb. 9, 2011, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a hand attachment for ease in using a handheld device; and more particularly, to a hand attachment for ease in using a mobile wireless device.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Currently, wireless devices such as e-readers, slates, pc tablets, or other electronic handheld devices (referred to hereinafter as wireless devices) must be held with the thumb pressed against the front of the wireless device and the palm pressed against the back. Continued use for any period of time becomes uncomfortable. The way these devices must be held makes them easy to drop. People with arthritis or some types of disability are unable to hold these devices at all.

It is desired to provide a tool to enable people, regardless of arthritis or other disability, to comfortably hold wireless devices for long periods of time without fear of dropping the devices.

There are several products on the market that attach to mobile devices. For example, the X-band glove has X-shaped straps that attach to the four corners of an Apple iPad™. The Pad Strap for an iPad has a single strap that attaches to two diagonally opposite corners of the iPad. A significant problem with corner attachments, such as in the first two examples, is that on some devices there are buttons, lights, etc. near the corners.

The Belkin Hand Band for an iPod nano device includes a screen protector and an adjustable Velcro closure for attaching the device to a hand. The 865 Hand-held Music Holder includes a stretch design and see-through window for an iPod or other mp3 player. These two examples completely cover the entire wireless device. The M-Edge Flip Jacket for an Apple iPad is a covering with an elastic strap for holding the jacket closed. This example does not seem to disclose any means for comfortably holding the wireless device.

Several U.S. patents include examples of various attachments to wireless devices. U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,809 to Rodarte et al describes a carrier for a portable device. The carrier may include a hand strap to assist the user in holding the device for extended periods of time of use and to reduce the likelihood that the device may be dropped. However, the hand strap has a bracket that is physically attached to the device by screws or plastic straps.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,853 to Foote describes an ergonomic housing for a handheld device including an integral strap and a keypad. U.S. Patent Application 2007/0083979 to Daniels discloses a specialized garment for wearing on the hand with a pocket for carrying an electronic device, keys, change, or the like. The electronic device could not be used while it is carried in the garment. U.S. Patent Application 2009/0179780 to Tambe shows a hand held touch typable keyboard device which can have an adjustable hand-strap attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principal object of the present invention is to provide the ability to hold a wireless device for long periods of time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the ability to hold and use a wireless device comfortably for long periods of time without fear of dropping the device.

A further object is to provide a hand attachment that affixes to the back of a wireless device or a wireless device case wherein the user's hand slips between the attachment and the device or device case to provide the user the ability to hold and use a wireless device comfortably for long periods of time without fear of dropping the device.

Yet another object is to provide a hand attachment that affixes to the back of a wireless device or a wireless device case in such a way so as not to interfere with or hamper the function of the wireless device or to influence the warranty on the device in any way wherein the user's hand slips between the attachment and the device or device case to provide the user the ability to hold and use a wireless device comfortably for long periods of time without fear of dropping the device.

In accordance with the objects of this invention a hand attachment for a wireless device is provided. The hand attachment comprises a material that affixes to a back surface of the wireless device or wireless device case and one or more fasteners for affixing the material to the wireless device or wireless device case. A user's hand slips between the material and the wireless device or wireless device case to provide the user the ability to hold and use the wireless device.

Also in accordance with the objects of this invention, a method for holding a wireless device comfortably for long periods of time is provided. A hand attachment is affixed to a back surface of a wireless device by means of one or more fasteners. A user's hand is slipped between the hand attachment and the wireless device to provide the user the ability to hold and use the wireless device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this description, there is shown:

FIG. 1 schematically represents a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically represents a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically represents a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically represents a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 schematically represents a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 schematically represents a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 schematically represents an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 schematically represents a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10G schematically represent various types of fasteners that can be used in the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a hand attachment that affixes to the back of a wireless device or a wireless device case wherein the user's hand slips between the attachment and the device or device case to provide the user the ability to hold and use a wireless device comfortably for long periods of time without fear of dropping the device. The hand attachment of the invention is especially useful to teachers using wireless devices in a classroom, students using wireless devices as study, aids, and professionals using wireless devices as aids in presentations. The invention is also especially helpful to those people with arthritis or disabilities that make it difficult or impossible to hold wireless devices without the support of the invention. The invention makes technology available to people with disabilities.

The hand attachment of the invention can be attached to any of a variety of wireless devices, such as, but not limited to, e-readers, slates, pc tablets, or other electronic hand-held devices. The attachment is performed in such a way so as not to interfere with or hamper the function of the wireless device or to influence the warranty on the device in any way.

The hand attachment comprises a piece of material that is attached to the back of a wireless device or wireless device case wherein the user's hand slips between the material and the wireless device or wireless device case. The means of attaching the material to the device can be by hooks, clips, rings, bands, hook-and-loop fasteners, and so on. The material of the hand attachment or the attaching means should have some element of stretch to it so that the user's hand can fit comfortably between the material and the device. The material may comprise elastic straps, neoprene, fabric, bungee netting, leather, plastic, and so on.

The invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawing figures. The drawing FIGS. 1-8 show attachment at the top and bottom of the wireless device. The drawings show the back side of the wireless device. Actual placement of the clips, fasteners, or the like would be determined by the location of function keys, speakers, lights, and so on. For example, attachment could be side-to-side. The attachment location would be determined for each individual wireless device.

The drawing FIGS. 9A-9F show a variety of possible fasteners that can be used in any of the preferred embodiments of the invention. FIG. 10A illustrates a hook. FIG. 10B is an edge clip with hooks. FIG. 10C shows a flat, hook or clip. FIG. 10D shows an edge clip that can fit through grommets and having hooks or clips at its ends. FIG. 10E shows a flat ring. FIG. 10F shows a “snap”-type attachment that attaches at the corners of the device. FIG. 10G shows a second “snap”-type attachment that attaches only at the edges of the device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the invention. A piece of bungee netting 10 is attached to a wireless device 100 by hooks, clips, fasteners, or the like, 12. For example, the fastener in FIG. 10A could be used in this embodiment. FIG. 10A illustrates a hook, the vertical part of which fits over the edge of the device. This particular hook has two holes for attachment to the bungee netting. A hook with a single hole would also work for this application.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the invention in which a wide band of fabric 20, such as neoprene or other stretchable fabric, is folded over the bar of an edge clip and sewn in place. The fabric is attached to a wireless device 100 using hooks 22 clipped to the top and bottom of the device, for example. For example, the fastener in FIG. 10B could be used in this embodiment. As noted above, the exact location of attachment will be determined for each individual wireless device and could be from side-to-side, for example. The fabric 20 could extend the full width of the device, as shown in FIG. 4, or it could cover only a central section, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the invention in which four stretchable bands 30 are attached to each other by a girth hitch knot 31. The bands are attached to the wireless device using flat hooks, clips, fasteners, or the like 32. For example, the fastener in FIG. 10C could be used in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention in which a wide band of fabric 40, such as neoprene or other stretchable fabric is attached to a wireless device 100 by an edge clip 42 through grommets 43 and clipped to the top and bottom of the device, for example. For example, the fastener in FIG. 10D could be used in this embodiment. The fabric 40 could extend the full width of the device, as shown in FIG. 4, or it could cover only a central section, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention in which two bands 50 and 52 of stretchable material are attached in a cross-wise pattern to top and bottom edges of the wireless device 100 using flat oblong non-slip rings 54, such as illustrated in FIG. 10E. This design is especially useful for certain wireless devices having limited space of the face of the device due to function keys, speakers, and so on.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a piece of fabric, leather, neoprene, or other material 60 has stretchable bands 62 on top and bottom (or side-to-side, not shown) that slip over the wireless device 100. Alternatively, the material 60 could be attached to the device by hook-and-loop type fasteners.

FIG. 7 illustrates a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a piece of fabric 70 having an animal head 71 is attached to sides of the wireless device 100 using clips 72 shaped like animal paws. For example, the fabric 70 could be an animal print and the attachment could be made to look like a lion, a tiger, a bear, and so on. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this attachment can be made in any style and color to depict any kind of animal, character, vehicle, or the like. This attachment could be attached to the top and bottom of the device rather than to the sides of the device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a piece of fabric 80 is attached to the wireless device 100 using a snappable attachment 82 that snaps onto the edges and corners of the device. For example, a snappable attachment is shown in FIG. 10F. This attachment has a slot into which the fabric 80 is inserted and sewn into place.

FIG. 9 illustrates a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a piece of fabric 90 is attached to the wireless device 100 using a different type of snappable attachment that snaps onto the edges, but not onto the corners of the device. For example, a second type of snappable attachment is shown in FIG. 10G. For example, two of the clips shown in FIG. 10G could be attached at the top and two at the bottom of the device 100, or two clips could be attached to each side of the device. The fabric 90 could be attached to the clips using a heat-treated system, for example, if the clips are made of plastic or rubber. For other types of clips, the fabric could be sewn to the clips. Various types of glue could also be an option depending on the type of material being used for clips.

In all of the preferred embodiments of the invention, any of a variety of materials could be used for the hand attachment of the present invention with a variety of connection methods. Material that could be used for this device could be fabric, leather, neoprene, bungee netting, plastic, and the like; preferably, any type of stretchy material. However, the stretch required could be added by using straps that stretch with fasteners. The fabric could be a quilted fabric. Padding could be added to any of the materials to provide comfort and/or protection for the device. Pockets could be added to the material of the attachment to provide storage for small items. Pockets could be closed with zippers, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, and the like. A sample pocket 94 is illustrated in FIG. 9. Such a pocket could be added to many of the examples, such as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8. There could be more than one pocket.

The attachments can be fastened to the device by many types of fasteners. Fasteners could be hooks, flat hooks, clips, rings, or bands, or snappable attachments, and could be produced from metal, plastic, rubber, or any other material used to produce such hooks, clips, fasteners, and the like. The best choice for the fastener would be a fastener having a non-slip surface. The particular type of fastener used will be determined by each style of wireless device as to not to interfere with or hamper the function of the unit or to influence the warranty on the device in any way. The hand attachment may be attached temporarily to the wireless device or left on for continued use.

The invention comprises a hand attachment that affixes to the back of a wireless device or a wireless device case wherein the user's hand slips between the attachment and the device or device case. Students, professionals, and avid readers will be able to use wireless devices more comfortably for long periods of time, providing a more pleasant reading experience that more closely simulates reading a book. The attachment will promote a more secure and safe use of wireless devices, eliminating the worry of dropping the device while traveling, when around physical activity, or when falling asleep while reading.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A hand attachment for a wireless device comprising: a material that affixes to a back surface of said wireless device or wireless device case; and one or more fasteners for affixing said material to said wireless device or wireless device case wherein a user's hand slips between said material and said wireless device or wireless device case to provide said user the ability to hold and use said wireless device.
 2. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said hand attachment does not interfere with or hamper the function of said wireless device or influence a warranty on said wireless device.
 3. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said material comprises fabric, leather, neoprene, bungee netting, or plastic.
 4. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said material includes padding.
 5. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said material includes one or more pockets on an outside surface of said hand attachment for storing items.
 6. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said material comprises any type of stretchy material.
 7. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said one or more fasteners comprise hooks, flat hooks, clips, rings, bands, or snappable attachment.
 8. The hand attachment according to claim 7, wherein said one or more fasteners are produced from metal, plastic, rubber, or any other material used to produce such hooks, clips, or fasteners.
 9. The hand attachment according to claim 7, wherein said one or more fasteners have a non-slip surface.
 10. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein a particular type of said fastener used is determined by each style of wireless device so as to not interfere with or hamper the function of said wireless device or to influence a warranty on said wireless device.
 11. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said hand attachment is attached temporarily to said wireless device or wireless device case or said hand attachment is left on for continued use.
 12. The hand attachment according to claim 1, wherein said hand attachment is made to depict an animal, character, or vehicle, wherein said material has an animal or character head or vehicle front located at one side of said wireless device and facing said user, and wherein said one or more fasteners are shaped like animal paws, or character hands or other appendages, or vehicle wheels or treads, or other parts.
 13. A method of providing a user of a wireless device the capability to hold the wireless device comfortably for long periods of time, comprising the steps of: providing said wireless device; and providing a hand attachment capable of being affixed to a back surface of said wireless device by means of one or more fasteners; whereby said user's hand can be slipped between said hand attachment and said wireless device to provide said user the ability to hold and use said wireless device.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said wireless device is in a wireless device case and wherein said hand attachment is affixed to said wireless device case, wherein said user's hand slips between said hand attachment and said wireless device case.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said hand attachment does not interfere with or hamper the function of said wireless device or influence a warranty on said wireless device.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein said hand attachment comprises fabric, leather, neoprene, bungee netting, or plastic.
 17. The hand attachment according to claim 13, wherein said hand attachment includes padding providing a soft cushion against a back of said user's hand.
 18. The hand attachment according to claim 13, wherein said hand attachment includes one or more pockets on an outside surface for storing items.
 19. The method according to claim 13, wherein said hand attachment comprises any type of stretchy material.
 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein said one or more fasteners comprise hooks, flat hooks, clips, rings, bands, or snappable attachment.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said one or more fasteners are produced from metal, plastic, rubber, or any other material used to produce such hooks, clips, or fasteners and wherein said one or more fasteners have a non-slip surface.
 22. The method according to claim 13, wherein a particular type of said fastener used is determined by each style of wireless device so as to not interfere with or hamper the function of said wireless device or to influence a warranty on said wireless device.
 23. The method according to claim 13, wherein said hand attachment is attached temporarily to said wireless device or said hand attachment is left on for continued use.
 24. A hand attachment for a wireless device comprising: a material that affixes to a back surface of said wireless device or wireless device case; and one or more fasteners for affixing said material to said wireless device or wireless device case wherein a user's hand slips between said material and said wireless device or wireless device case to provide said user the ability to hold and use said wireless device wherein said hand attachment does not interfere with or hamper the function of said wireless device or influence a warranty on said wireless device. 